Correspondence Relating to a Children's Story Written by Alma M. Lassen for Potential Use at Walt Disney World, 1965-1966

Amusement parks--Planning

Children's stories

Children's literature

Children's literature, American--Women authors

Children's literature--Authorship

Letters between author Alma M. Lassen of St. Petersburg, her attorneys, and several state officials regarding a children's story Lassen wanted to pitch to Walt Disney Enterprises titled "Bimbo Visits Santa."

Lassen, Alma Marie, 1889-1973

Chapman, Joseph Fleming, III, 1938-2016

Halvorsen, Robert A.

Young, Bill (Charles William), 1930-2013

State Archives of Florida, Series S131

1965

letters (correspondence)

eng-US

Text

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Postwar Florida (1945-1968)

Orlando (Fla.)

Orange County (Fla.)

Osceola County (Fla.)

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Walt Disney World Resort (Fla.)

Florida. Governor (1965-1967 : Burns)

ALMA M. LASSEN 3301 - 9th Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33713 Phone 892-4124 Sept. 14th, 1966 Joseph F. Chapman III Legal Assistant to Gov. Burns Florida State Capital Tallahassee Florida Dear Mr. Chapman, Early in the year - I sent you my Christmas story in two forms - a little play and the story… for adaptation to the Florida Disney Land Project. “BIMBO VISITS SANTA” Senator C.W. Young told me you had sent it to Walt Disney for his consideration - all of which I sincerely appreciate. To date I have had no word - however I am not discouraged as I realize the monumental work Walt Disney has before him - but I seek your advice - - - shall I just sit tight and wait??? Or would it be unethical to write Mr. Disney?????? If you think it O.K. to write Walt Walt Disney - how shall I address the letter - ?? Enclosed is a self addressed and stamped envelope for an answer and for which I shall be most grateful. Sincerely, Alma M. Lassen RECEIVED SEP 16 1966 GOVERNOR’S OFFICE TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

October 3, 1966 Mrs. Alma M. Lassen 3301 - 9th Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33713 Dear Mrs. Lassen: This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter and to advise that I have this day contacted Mr. Disney’s representative here in Florida about your story. I am sure you will hear from him in the next few days. Sincerely, Joe Chapman Administrative Assistant JC: wm

HALVORSEN and SCHOWE ATTORNEYS AT LAW 325 SECOND AVENUE, SOUTH ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33701 PHONE 898 - 4108 ROBERT A. HALVORSEN REGISTERED PATENT ATTORNEY LOUIS C. SCHOWE November 30, 1965 Senator C.W. Young 7851 - 45th St. North Pinellas Park, Florida Dear Mr. Young: We represent Alma M. Lassen, of 3119 - 11th Ave. North, St. Petersburg, who would like an appointment with Governor Burns. Mrs. Lassen has written a children’s story involving a group of characters which she believes could be the inspiration for a successful attraction at the proposed Florida Disneyland. Mrs. Lassen is prepared to go to Tallahassee or any other place, at Governor Burns' convenience, to discuss her idea with him, with the hope that he in turn would bring this suggestion to the attention of the Disneyland designers. Anything you can suggest to arrange such an appointment be very much appreciated. Very truly yours, HALVORSEN & SCHOWE Robert A. Halvorsen RAH - vb

THE FLORIDA SENATE TALLAHASSEE December 6, 1966 C.W. BILL YOUNG SENATOR,11TH DISTRICT 7851 45TH STREET PINELLAS PARK, FLORIDA COMMITTEES: GENERAL LEGISLATION, CHAIRMAN LABOR & INDUSTRY, VICE CHAIRMAN MEMBER OF : CITRUS FRUITS CLAIMS FINANCE & TAXATION INSURANCE PUBLIC HEALTH “A” RESOLUTIONS & MEMORIALS SALT WATER CONSERVATION Mr. Mal Ogden Assistant to the Governor Capitol Building Tallahassee, Florida Dear Mal: Enclosed is a letter from Robert A. Halvorsen on behalf of a client, Alma M. Lassen, referenced a story she has written which might be helpful to Walt Disney Enterprises. Please advise if you would like me to pursue this further as far as making an appointment with the Governor, as requested by Mr. Halvorsen. With best wishes and personal regards, I am, Very truly yours, C.W. Bill Young Senator, 11th District CWY / gb RECEIVED DEC 13 1965 GOVERNOR’S OFFICE TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

ALMA M. LASSEN 3119 - 11th Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33713 Phone 898 - 7577 Jan. 30th, 1966 Joe Chapman, Administrative Assistant to Gov. Burns. State of Florida Office of the Governor Dear Mr. Chapman, It is with profound gratitude - that I have before me a letter from you to Senator C.W. Bill Young regarding my Christmas Story “BIMBO VISITS SANTA” which is slanted for the FLORIDA DISNEYLAND… It is sincerely hoped that Gov. Burns will bring this story to the eyes of Walt Disney for consideration as a Florida Project for Florida Disneyland Production....i.e. : a Florida Author for a Florida Disney Land Production. Enclosed herewith is my manuscript in two forms: a story and a short act play - who I believe Walt Disney will be able to do more from the story than from the little play… The story has scope for animation cartoons - a story book - a live play with more detail than in the little play… - Then too with a variety of TOYS… I am free to come to Tallahassee - or even to California if necessary… Again thanking you most sincerely for your interest - I am Yours Truly, Alma M. Lassen. RECEIVED FEB. 3 1966 GOVERNOR’S OFFICE TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

January 4, 1966 Honorable C.W. Bill Young State Senator 7851 - 45th Street Pinellas Park, Florida Dear Senator Young: This is to acknowledge receipt of correspondence recently forwarded to me by Mal Ogden. As the Governor’s representative on this particular project, I would be very pleased to discuss Mrs. Lassen’s story with her and relate this to the Disneyland people. I am confident that you understand that the Governor’s busy schedule prohibits him from making appointments of this nature, and this is particularly true when we have a staff member representing him in an area such as this. Please advise if Mrs. Lassen would like to visit with us. I might conclude, though, by suggesting that if this could be given to us in written form, it would be a lot easier for us to refer it on to Disneyland people for their careful consideration. I shall look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Sincerely, Joe Chapman Administrative Assistant JC: wm